Inside the temple Pujas can be categorized into several types that may involve pilgrims undertaking. However, because of the enormous settling of devotees, a technique is search for doing Pujas. The Badri-Kedar Temple Samiti facilitates advance booking through phone reservations allowing the pilgrims to secure their Puja slots. Kedarnath has a wide of Pujas from which to choose.
Although the Kedarnath Yatra is known for its gruelling and long trek, it brings out a plethora of hidden treasures and an astounding experience. The journey to the Kedarnath region is decorated with beauty of nature and the view of the temple and its backdrop is un describable. A trip to the castle on Adi Shankara Samadhi is also necessary to discover Kedarnath fully. A good DSLR camera can augment the experience. A hike to Vasuki Tal, an alpine lake 8 kms away from Kedarnath by foot is suggested if possible.
Yes, all pilgrims are required to park their vehicles at the Sonprayag Parking area. To travel from Sonprayag to Gaurikund, shared taxi services are available, primarily due to the narrow road conditions along this route.
Obviously, every pilgrim has to leave his car at the Sonprayag Parking zone. The shared taxi services along this route are mainly being carried because of the nature of narrow road which is typical along this trail from Sonprayag to Gaurikund.
Kedarnath Yatra is notorious for a thrilling uphill hike, but nonetheless it has much hidden treasure and golden fact that can be touched during the trek and at Kedarnath Masjid. One wouldn’t be able to describe the beauty of the temple at Kedarnath against its backdrop as it is heavily natural. To travel Kedarnath, the person must travel Bhauravnath Temple which is at the nearside of the temple on a hill. A top-tier DSLR will enhance the aesthetic of the experience. If open, the trekel should be made to Vasuki Tal (Open Lake, 8 kms from Kedarnath).
Kedarnath temple is located in the high Himalayan region, even during May-June nights might be cold. The packing of heavy warm woolen clothes should be considered such as the jacket, coat, sweater, gloves, and woolen socks. Furthermore, take strong-soles shoes with good grip, as well as flipflops and sandals. As the weather is unpredictable, a raincoat is inevitable. Kedarnath ensures basic medical facilities but it is recommended to have a personal first aid kit and other necessary medications, which should be properly prescribed.
During the trip, you should have a letter from the physician. Both Gaurikund and Kedarnath are endowed with many prasad shops that desist the pilgrims from carrying offerings themselves. Kedarnath contains donation boxes and the Badri-Kedar Samiti office for those willing to make donations.
You can choose either GMVN or other private agencies for your travel, provided that they handle their services in a reputable, cost effective and affordable way. On the way, there are 3-star hotels that belong to the deluxe category and offer only the most basic meals. Another convenient option for those who are flexible with their budget is hiring a cab from Delhi or Haridwar for the entire trip.
Otherwise, you can look for independent Char Dham operators. Be it hiring a cab or booking a Kedarnath tour package with complete itinerary, ShrineYatra.com is a trustworthy source for your travel requirements!
Kedarnath offers 2-3 budget hotels as many others were washed away in 2013 floods. The demands for accommodation needs are addressed by GMVN that provides a sufficient number of tents and pre-fabricated huts and has 1000 bed spaces at Kedarnath Dham. The Pilgrims can easily book online in advance through the official GMVN website.
The Kedarnath shrine can be approached trekking, dandi, kandi, mules or helicopter from Gaurikund, a highland destination. One metalled road that is well connected to Haridwar goes to Gaurikund/Sonprayag, which is itself connected to major cities such as Delhi. The Kedarnath Yatra would also be starting from the capital city of India, either from Delhi or from Haridwar. Delhi being the capital of India has many flight connections to different cities all over the world, and the road trip from Delhi to Haridwar is easy, stretching for about 210 km in around 5 hours. Another option for air travelers would be a flight to Dehradun (Jolly Grant Airport) only 40 km away (about 1 hour ride) from Haridwar. Alternatively, tourists can land at Rishikesh, which is 20 km away from the airport.
The pilgrimage begins from the month of April or May onwards (Akshay Tritya) and concludes with Bhai Dooj after Diwali. Bhai Dooj doors of the shrine are closed for the following five or six months after Bhai Dooj due to heavy snow fall and very cold weather, where all shrine is located in Himalayan Mountain where life is not very easy to survive due to uncertain weather conditions.
People then have an option of using either Palki or Ponies to get to their desired location. However, another possibility that might also be feasible is to spend the night in camps carefully placed along the trek path, including Jungle Chatti, Bheem Bali, and Lincholi where one should begin the journey the next morning.
Kedarnath helicopter flights are considered to be of adequate safety standards as they are regulated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). When weather conditions are unfavourable, helicopter flights are prohibited due to traffic safety concerns. Air charters, such as Operators, Himalayan Heli, Heritage Aviation, Jostone Aviation, Pawan Hans, etc., provide helicopter services for Kedarnath. These heli operators offer the facility of direct ticket booking for pilgrims.
The trek to Kedarnath is undertaken within the limits of the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, where the pilgrimage treks are timed. The trek commences from Gaurikund at 04: The event begins at 12 am and ends at 1:30 pm in the morning. It is therefore important to state that the pilgrims should not undertake the journey or leave the space after this time.
The Darjeeling and Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation regulate the rates of Dandi/Palki, Kandi and Mule/Ponies, which are available at fixed prices at the booking counter at Gaurikund/Sonprayag.
The charges depend on the distance for which they travel.For the journey from Gaurikund to Kedarnath, the rates are as follows: Dandi is Rs. 4550, Kandi is Rs. 3350, and Pony is Rs. 4100.
The helicopter fare for one to Kedarnath from Phata comes at the cost of approximately Rs 7,000 per person. This fare includes the price of the whole round trip in a helicopter and does not include the extra charge for priority darshan that is established by the current rates.
Yes, the path to Kedarnath starts from Gaurikund, a 16-kilometre distance, which the pilgrims negotiate to reach the holy temple. The trail is characterized by moderate slopes in some sections and the pilgrims have to ensure that they are adequately fit during the walk. Facilities also include special arrangements such as Kandi, Palki, and Mules for the comfort of the old and younger people. Water points and small shops are available along the route of the trail. Helicopter services are also available from Phata and several helipads that make their way to Kedarnath. It is important to note that these places are high-altitude, and people with respiratory or cardiovascular disorders are advised to seek medical advice before undertaking this journey.
Kedarnath Temple opens for darshan during the following hours:
Morning: 5 AM to 1:30 PM
Evening: 5:30 PM to 10 PM
Kedarnath Dham is a key place for Hindus. It's one of twelve Jyotirlingas, signaling Lord Shiva's universal trait. Nestled in the Himalayas, it's a spot for seeking spiritual wisdom and forgiveness. The temple, set amid stunning backdrops raises its sacredness, drawing worshippers from across India and further. The travel to Kedarnath is seen as a holy journey, showing renunciation from earthly wants and deep faith. The belief is that stopping at this holy place bestows good fortune and opens the way to salvation. This makes it a loved spot in Hindu faith.
The opening of the Kedarnath shrine for pilgrims are set on the basis that the auspicious day is the event on it known as the Akshay Tritiya festival. It is on this auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri that the priests of Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath officially declare the opening date. This day marks the starting of pilgrims’ darshan of the holy Kedarnath Temple till Bhai Dooj. Until the end of the pilgrimage season in the post-Diwali festival of Bhai Dooj, the shrine is still open to devotees. After this, the Kedarnath shrine is also closed to pilgrims for the period of half a year.
Kedarnath Temple is situated on the Garhwal Himalayan range near the Mandakini river, Distic of Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand, India.
In the Kedarnath not a luxury hotels are there. Only normal hotels or Camp is available.
There is a total trekking distance of approx 16 Kms. from Gaurikund to Kedarnath.
There is various ranges of ticket fares for Kedarnath. From Guptakashi approx 8500, from Phata approx 6500, and from Sirsi 6000.
Kedarnath is open only 6 months a year, the best time to visit for Kedarnath is months of May and June.
